Abstract:
Pandemics have been associated with a rise in different forms of violence against women and
children. The global and regional nature of pandemics can provide an environment of uncertainty
and fear. Against this background, this study assesses the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on
gender-based violence against men. The study engaged a total of 30 purposively and snowball
sampled participants through semi-structured interviews. The study found that men experienced
several forms of GBV and these are verbal, emotional and physical abuse. The study also found
that there are little to zero efforts taken by the government to combat GBV against men during the
pandemic. Findings also revealed that adopting and implementing comprehensive preventative
measures specifically targeting men could curb GBV against them. The study concludes that GBV
experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic has left multiple long-lasting and life-threatening
health complications on men and men received minimal attention and recognition. The study
recommends that the government of Lesotho should be involved to address GBV against men
working closely with NGOs, individual associations, institutions such churches to tackle and curb
the spread of GBV against men
